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DIRECTV, DISH Network and EchoStar are among the 15 multichannel video providers and equipment-makers that are backing a voluntary agreement to improve the energy efficiency of set-top boxes. The Set-Top Box Energy Conservation Agreement, which will go into effect Jan. 1, could save U.S. homeowners up to $1.5 billion annually.

Related Summaries

DIRECTV has launched its 4K Genie Mini set-top box nationwide. The box works with the DIRECTV Genie HD DVR and a 4K-capable TV to allow users to access 4K content -- but consumers no longer need to have special versions of a Samsung 4K TV for the content to display.

Pay-TV providers spent 4% less on set-top boxes in 2014 than in 2013, according to IHS, which attributed the decline to many markets being saturated with high-end STBs. 4K services from DIRECTV and DISH Network, among others, may drive demand for new STBs, the report said.

Verizon Communications and AT&T are among the pay-TV providers who have signed up for a historic energy-saving standard -- which includes set-top boxes -- that is expected to improve efficiency by 10% to 45% by 2017 and save more than $1 billion a year. Signatories to the voluntary agreement include the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Department of Energy and equipment-makers, as well as a number of trade groups.

Consumers are facing new choices as the cost of satellite-based broadband Internet services reach parity with traditional service providers, according to industry observers who point to new services aimed at rural areas from DISH Network, DIRECTV, ViaSat's Exede and EchoStar's HughesNet Gen 4. They note that new Ka-band technology, with its substantially greater capacity, has driven down the cost of providing service.

Verizon Communications, AT&T and CenturyLink are among the 15 multichannel video providers and equipment-makers who are backing a voluntary agreement to improve the energy efficiency of set-top boxes. The Set-Top Box Energy Conservation Agreement, which will go into effect Jan. 1, could save U.S. homeowners up to $1.5 billion annually.